Bertie Reed, South African yachting legend died at his Gordon’s Bay home, of cancer. He was 63.

From humble beginnings he rose to the top of ocean racing via a naval career, being one of a few yachtsman, and the first South African, to compete in three  BOC Challenge Single Handed Round the World Yacht Races, then regarded the toughest challenge in ocean racing.

In the first race, 82/83, in Newport, Reed’s second across the line, first on handicap, brought him to world-wide attention.

Sailing “Voortrekker”, a Knysna built ocean racer, considered obsolete and the oldest boat in the fleet, he had been beaten only by the latest that technology then had to offer, Credit Agricole, sailed by another racing legend, “Phillippe Jeantot, the “Flying Frenchman”.

In 1990/91 BOC Challenge, Stanley John Reed, “Bertie” achieved hero status when he rescued his friend and compatriot, John Martin, whose yacht sank in horrific conditions after hitting an iceberg deep in the Southern Ocean.

Reed was awarded many citations for bravery and was recently inducted into the International Singlehanded Sailors Hall of Fame, at Newport’s Museum of Sailing.   
He sailed some 170 000 nautical miles competitively, most singlehanded

Bertie Reed was a warm hearted family man who was as at ease in both the pubs and rich yacht clubs of yacht racings world. He was responsible for many enrichment projects for disadvantaged youth of South Africa, which will see a team compete in the eponymous  “Voortrekker” in the America’s Cup 2007.

He leaves his wife of 38 years, Pat, four children, three grandchildren and many fans and friends around the world.

 www.bertiereed.co.za